The revised admissions policy for the Jewish Community Secondary School launching in Barnet next September was explained to 1,100 parents and prospective pupils at an open day on Sunday.

As with other Jewish schools, JCoSS has been reviewing its admissions criteria following a Court of Appeal judgment in June. In line with its commitment to be open to all Jews, synagogue attendance does not necessarily have to be a condition of entry. However, JCoSS will require evidence of shul membership or proof of two of three other conditions.

One of these is attendance by a parent or child at a minimum of three synagogue services between September 1 and November 30 2009. The other conditions are a child’s engagement in formal Jewish education or a parent or child’s charitable volunteer activity.

JCoSS head Jeremy Stowe-Lindner said the approach reflected the school’s inclusive ethos, adding: “Everything we do will be designed to welcome all Jews, whatever their backgrounds, beliefs or abilities.”